Question about Atheism

I've wanted to join the military ever since I was young and I still feel the same way. I've seen many pictures of group prayers especially overseas. My question is would an atheist be looked down upon in the military having refused to take part in these prayers, or for simply being an atheist period?

I've wanted to join the military ever since I was young and I still feel the same way. I've seen many pictures of group prayers especially overseas. My question is would an atheist be looked down upon in the military having refused to take part in these prayers, or for simply being an atheist period?

I dont think anyone would look down on you but, every formal ceremony has a prayer in it and you are requiered to bow you head if you are standing in formation.

I've wanted to join the military ever since I was young and I still feel the same way. I've seen many pictures of group prayers especially overseas. My question is would an atheist be looked down upon in the military having refused to take part in these prayers, or for simply being an atheist period?

Im in the same boat as you. I am a photographer so I am at these events ALWAYS. Daily. There is always an invocation, and they ask you to bow your head. I opt not to, as do a few people. No one sees you and no one really cares.

Now I am assuming you are referring to the photos you see of marines, honoring a fallen marine? the ceremony with their boots, weapon, and kevlar? Their heads are bowed in grievance, and respect more-so than prayer.

You wont be looked down upon, but the majority of the people in the military are highly religious, which is fine by me as long as they arent going around trying to convert me or anything lol..

Since we are supposed to be a nation of all faiths, I fail to understand why a denominational chaplain's invocation is an official part of ceremonies. They need to get rid of that, period. It makes me feel very awkward when everyone else in a formation bows their head and I don't. Why should I be forced to pay respect to someone else's beliefs? I disagree with you sporks, you may think that is all it is, but to me it feels as if I am being made to pay my respects to their 'god'.

Since we are supposed to be a nation of all faiths, I fail to understand why a denominational chaplain's invocation is an official part of ceremonies. They need to get rid of that, period. It makes me feel very awkward when everyone else in a formation bows their head and I don't. Why should I be forced to pay respect to someone else's beliefs? I disagree with you sporks, you may think that is all it is, but to me it feels as if I am being made to pay my respects to their 'god'.

I understand what you are saying but, if I was told I was not alowed to bow my head during prayers while in formation I would be ok with that. "I am a christian"

Your respecting the person, and their right to be able to have that faith...or any at all. I don't know how many people refuse to bow their heads in an average ceremony. But I feel thats a very ignorant thing to do. Its all in my opinion, but..yeah.

__________________

I thought what I'd do was,
I'd pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes.
That way I wouldn't have to have any goddamn
stupid useless conversations with anybody.

Your respecting the person, and their right to be able to have that faith...or any at all. I don't know how many people refuse to bow their heads in an average ceremony. But I feel thats a very ignorant thing to do. Its all in my opinion, but..yeah.

It is all in a person's interpretation. If I see bowing my head as a sign of respect to your 'god', and I don't believe in 'god', then by bowing my head I would be dishonoring my own beliefs. I wouldn't have a problem if it was about respect for each other in general, but the head bowing is specifically done when a prayer to god is made.

I think its ignorant for them to expect me to bow my head. Im Air Force btw..

The chaplain always speaks in very direct language about Jesus, God and faith. These are not things I choose to beleive in, so why would I participate in their ceremony. If a Christian was at a Wiccan ceremony, you damn well better belive they wont just go along with it out of respect for their religion.

But this is turning into the religious discussion, which has it's own sub-forum so on that note...

One thing I will say is that i dont think the military requiers you to bow your head out of respect or any thing like that. I think the do it to look uniform they want everyone in the formation to do the same thing. I think it was more of a "most people in the formation bow their head so thats what everyone is going to do" thing.

I've wanted to join the military ever since I was young and I still feel the same way. I've seen many pictures of group prayers especially overseas. My question is would an atheist be looked down upon in the military having refused to take part in these prayers, or for simply being an atheist period?

If you explained your beliefs instead of trying to make others conform to yours, and respectfully didn't take partake in these events. No you would not be looked down upon.

Expecting us not to take part in them, because you are present though will get yourself in more trouble then wanted.

I've wanted to join the military ever since I was young and I still feel the same way. I've seen many pictures of group prayers especially overseas. My question is would an atheist be looked down upon in the military having refused to take part in these prayers, or for simply being an atheist period?

No, noone really cares, and the ones that do can go pack sand.

Plus... G_d can't hear you underwater 300 feet or deeper.

__________________--- UNDRPRVLGD Goggle Straps n stuff ---If this be treason, make the most of it.-Patrick HenryI'm a damn veteran, I've got more rights and privileges than you do.MQ2 rebuild kits, MP4 ram rebuilds, general 'cocker techingWill soon be making super slick mid/half block bolts

This thread has allayed some fears I had going in next week being an agnostic after reading some stories about religious discrimination. I don't care about other people praying, I don't mind bowing my head out of respect and having my own little "moment of reflection", just don't ride my *** because I'm not on the Jesus train and I don't care.

I'm not going to say anything to anyone, but you can't expect me to respect something I personally feel is ridiculous. How about they respect my atheism by not turning every formation/ceremony into a prayer meeting. That is what they have churches for.